Tony Connelly

Europe Editor

In a letter to the Irish Government, the European Commission said that shortcomings in Irish law meant the courts were not in a position to factor in racist or xenophobic motivation as an aggravating factor in a criminal offence

Govt told to bring racism legislation in line with EU law

The European Commission has ordered the Irish Government to bring its legislation into line with an EU law on combating racism and xenophobia, stating that Irish courts were not considering racist hatred or xenophobia as a motive by those carrying out crimes, including Holocaust denial.

Ireland • 03 Oct 24

Mr Starmer met Ursula von der Leyen before holding talks with European Parliament President Roberta Metsola and outgoing president of the European Council, Charles Michel

Starmer meets Commission President ahead of EU-UK talks

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has met the European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen for talks in Brussels as part of a post-Brexit reset between the EU and UK.

UK • 02 Oct 24

Officials said Ireland was among those singled out in the investigation because of the size of our farming sector and dairy production

Ireland not compliant with CAP funding rules, probe finds

An investigation into how member states are using EU agriculture funds to meet climate goals has concluded that Ireland has not complied with new CAP funding requirements, designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, to the full extent possible.

Ireland • 30 Sep 24

Emily O'Reilly transformed the role of European ombudsman

'Priceless legacy' of O'Reilly as EU role nears end

European commissioners, MEPs and the leading lights of civil society this week hailed the legacy of outgoing European Ombudsman Emily O'Reilly at a farewell celebration in Brussels.

Analysis and Comment • 30 Sep 24

Carles Puigdemont refused to take an oath pledging to respect the Spanish constitution

ECJ dismisses action by two Catalan MEPs over exclusion

The European Court of Justice has dismissed an action taken by two leading Catalan separatist MEPs against their exclusion from the European Parliament in 2019.

Europe • 26 Sep 24

The move would mean Ireland's incoming commissioner Michael McGrath only having two Irish nationals on his team

Push to reduce 'own nationals' working for Commissioners

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has sought to reduce the number of "own country" nationals working for the 27 new EU Commissioners when they take up their roles later this year, RTÉ News understands.

Politics • 24 Sep 24

Michael McGrath will be responsible for ensuring consumer protection for the EU's 450 million citizens

What are Commissioner McGrath's new responsibilities?

Michael McGrath's headline responsibilities come under the Rule of Law concept and that includes strengthening European democracy, making sure elections are free and fair and cracking down on corruption, writes Europe Editor Tony Connelly.

Analysis and Comment • 17 Sep 24

Michael McGrath said he was waiting for clarification on whether or not he would have responsibility for GDPR as justice commissioner

EU job shows von der Leyen 'has trust in me' - McGrath

Ireland's EU Commissioner-designate Michael McGrath has welcomed his appointment as the EU's justice commissioner, describing the rule of law as "a fundamental value of the European Union".

Europe • 17 Sep 24

Ursula von der Leyen unveiled the portfolios of her new Commission in Strasbourg

Michael McGrath announced as new EU justice commissioner

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has announced former minister of finance Michael McGrath as the new EU Commissioner for Democracy, Justice and Rule of Law.

Europe • 17 Sep 24

Ursula von der Leyen has already pushed back the announcement of her new commission, and there are now concerns that another delay is imminent

EU Commission: A high stakes cliffhanger over top jobs

If Ursula von der Leyen thought that winning a European Parliament vote in July was the biggest hurdle she would face in launching her second mandate, the machinations over actually forming the new European Commission have proven just as fraught.

Europe • 16 Sep 24